We are hotel based in Zurich for five days. We plan to take day trips and see Lucerne, Bern, in addition to the city of Zurich and the Rhine Falls at Schaufhaussen.
We are four 60 somethings and have a car. We are fine with one night away from Zurich in either Interlaken or Murren. We are probably not going to get to Jungfrauch. Also, we do not hike and although walking is fine, limited hills are best.
Can you please clear up confusion. We thought the Bond Breakfast at Piz Gloria and Cable car sounded great but are not quite sure where to stay(Interlaken or Murren) and
how to make this an overnight from Zurich. This would be our only overnight outside of Zurich and then are on to Lake Como. Can you please help. We feel it is getting late and wish to book hotel overnight for end of July,
Thank you.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
The first thing to do is get rid of the car. The rail from Zurich to Lucerne is super easy and fast. Also from Zurich the train will deposit you right at Rhine Falls.
From Zurich you can easily catch the train "towards" Interlaken. When you arrive at Interlaken OST (not Interlaken EST) then change trains and head toward Lauterbrunnen. There will be train personnel on the platforms directing people to the correct train. Upon arrival in Lauterbrunnen you will walk across the street and catch the gondola which takes you up up up to Grutchsalp. From there 15 steps to the train to Muerren. It's super easy with personnel to take direct you every step of the way.
Even though Rhine Falls is beautiful I would skip it and train directly to Lucerne (50 minutes). Spend then night there. The next day train to Muerren and spend the rest of your nights there. You will see some of the most amazing scenery in the world. From Muerren you can easily catch the gondola up to Schilthorn for breakfast or lunch.
The Swiss Transport system is unbelieveably efficient, clean, on-time, and easy to use. Do leave the car behind.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
We stayed at Hotel Alpina several years ago--www.muerren.ch/alpina/. This hotel has fantastic views. You can look at other accommodations by going to the town's website at www.muerren.ch Have a great time making memories.
Posted by
West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
213 posts
I, too, would advise taking train vs. car. Train is easy, fast, and hassle-free. You can go either via Lucerne or via Bern to Interlaken; the Lucerne route is more scenic in my estimation. Stay in Murren if you want to go to Piz Gloria. The Alpina Hotel there sits right on the edge of the 2000' cliff above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Ask for a valley-side room. And when you step out on your balcony, don't drop your glasses (pen, camera, or whatever) ;-). I'd suggest watching the weather to make sure the views from Piz Gloria are open. But remember, while it may be clouded over in the valley, up high you may well be above the clouds. Also remember, chocolate is a Swiss breakfast food (and lunch, and dinner, and....)
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
yes unless youre on the way from interlaken with the car - leave it in Zurich and take the train to Lucerne and Interlacken. Hotel Jungfrau was nice in Murren - family run. Trains can indeed be fast and efficient and often have the best scenery - and both can enjoy. Aso you avoid the road work and traffic that is common in many metro areas!